Reporting animal research: Explanation and elaboration for the ARRIVE guidelines 2.0

Recognizing and Mitigating Canine Stress in Human-Canine Interaction Research: Proposed Guidelines

The research into human-canine interactions (HCIs) has grown substantially, yet limited attention has focused on the welfare of canines involved, particularly pet dogs owned by volunteer participants. To address this gap, we conducted a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial, examining canine welfare during an acute human stress protocol. Our methodology incorporated evidence-based screening tools, environmental modifications, researchers trained in canine behavior assessments and safe interactions, and canine stress monitoring using the Fear Free™ Canine Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) Spectrum. Dogs' stress levels showed a non-significant increase from the rest to stressor phase (0.80 to 1.00, p = 0.073) and a significant decrease during recovery (1.00 to 0.48, p < 0.001). Only two dogs (7.6%) required withdrawal due to elevated stress levels, though these levels remained within acceptable safety parameters. The peak stress remained within acceptable limits, with only 24% (6 of 25) reaching an FAS score of two during the TSST. By final recovery, 96% of dogs achieved FAS scores of zero to one (Green Zone), indicating relaxed states. Salivary collection proved challenging, highlighting limitations in low-invasive physiological measurement techniques. Based on our findings and literature review, we propose standardized guidelines for HCI research, including thorough pre-screening, environmental preparation, researcher training, stress-monitoring protocols, and informed consent procedures emphasizing withdrawal rights. These guidelines aim to establish ethical standards for this rapidly expanding field, protecting canine participant welfare while enabling valuable research to continue.

Depth-Specific Hypoxic Responses to Spreading Depolarizations in Gyrencephalic Swine Cortex Unveiled by Photoacoustic Imaging

Spreading depolarizations (SDs) are a marker of brain injury and have a causative effect on ischemic lesion progression. The hemodynamic responses elicited by SDs are contingent upon the metabolic integrity of the affected tissue, with vasoconstrictive reactions leading to pronounced hypoxia often indicating poor outcomes. The stratification of hemodynamic responses within different cortical layers remains poorly characterized. This pilot study sought to elucidate the depth-specific hemodynamic changes in response to SDs within the gray matter of the gyrencephalic swine brain. Employing a potassium chloride-induced SD model, we utilized multispectral photoacoustic imaging (PAI) to estimate regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rcSO2%) changes consequent to potassium chloride-induced SDs. Regions of interest were demarcated at three cortical depths covering up to 4 mm. Electrocorticography (ECoG) strips were placed to validate the presence of SDs. Through PAI, we detected 12 distinct rcSO2% responses, which corresponded with SDs detected in ECoG. Notably, a higher frequency of hypoxic responses was observed in the deeper cortical layers compared to superficial layers, where hyperoxic and mixed responses predominated (p < 0.001). This data provides novel insights into the differential oxygenation patterns across cortical layers in response to SDs, underlining the complexity of cerebral hemodynamics post-injury.

How Do Individually Ventilated Cages Affect the Welfare of Male BALB/c Mice? Comprehensive Assessment of Behavior, Metabolism, and Responses to Acute Painful Stimuli

INTRODUCTION

Housing conditions, which have a major impact on the welfare of laboratory animals, are an important issue in experimental research. Individually ventilated cage (IVC) and open-top cage (OTC) systems are widely used for housing laboratory mice.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the effects of OTC and IVC housing conditions on the behavior, metabolism, and pain responses of laboratory mice from an animal welfare perspective.

METHOD

We measured body temperature, body weight, anxiety levels (using the elevated plus maze and open field test), and thermal nociceptive responses (using the hot-plate and tail-flick tests) in male albino BALB/c mice. At the end of these procedures, the mice were sacrificed, and the serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT), ghrelin, and leptin were determined by ELISA, and the weight of the adrenal glands was measured.

FINDINGS

The results showed that there were significant differences in body weight, body temperature, anxiety-related behaviors, pain latency, and hormonal parameters between the OTC group and the IVC group. Compared to OTC, IVC had lower levels of leptin, especially under stress conditions, where a significant interaction between housing and stress was observed, and higher levels of ghrelin, ACTH, and CORT. IVC group also had increased body weight, adrenal gland weight, and body temperature. In the hot-plate test, the IVC group showed increased latency of hind limb responses compared to the OTC group, but not in the tail-flick test. IVC group exhibited more anxiety-related behaviors in the OFT, while no differences were observed in the EPM.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study, housing mice in IVCs appears to compromise welfare, altering behavioral, hormonal, and pain responses. This suggests that the IVC system can induce physiological and behavioral stress, potentially acting as a systemic confounding factor in mouse research.

Cardioprotection During Myocardial Infarction in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Protecting the heart against AMI is more challenging in DCM than in nondiabetic hearts. We investigated whether intravenous (i.v.) atorvastatin administration during AMI exerts cardioprotection in DCM as seen in nondiabetic hearts. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into streptozotocin-induced DCM and normoglycemic control groups. Our model of DCM rats exhibited interstitial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction at 5 weeks. At this time point, all animals underwent AMI induction (coronary ligation for 45 min), receiving i.v. atorvastatin or vehicle during ischemia. Animals were reperfused and sacrificed 24 h later for myocardial infarct size analysis and cardiac tissue sampling. Echocardiography was performed. DCM vehicle rats had larger infarcts than normoglycemic vehicle-treated animals at a comparable area-at-risk. Intravenous atorvastatin reduced infarct size and preserved systolic function in both groups. Compared with vehicle animals, i.v. atorvastatin inhibited RhoA membrane translocation, induced AMPK phosphorylation, prevented apoptosis execution, and improved cardiac remodelling in the infarcted heart of both groups, whereas innate immune cell infiltration was further reduced in i.v. atorvastatin-treated DCM animals. The proven cardioprotective effectiveness of this i.v. statin formulation in the presence of DCM warrants its further development into a clinically therapeutic option.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) significantly increases the risk of acute myocardial infarction and attenuates or abolishes the cardioprotective effects of several therapeutic approaches. Whether intravenous atorvastatin administration during ongoing acute myocardial infarction retains its cardioprotective potential in the presence of DCM was investigated. Intravenous atorvastatin during ischemia reduces infarct size and preserves cardiac function in DCM rats. The efficacy of this intravenous statin formulation in DCM supports its development as a viable therapeutic option for clinical use.

Transforming Growth Factor β1 Protects Against Ischemic Demyelination via Regulating Microglial Lipid Metabolism Pathway

BACKGROUND

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced white matter lesions are an important cause of vascular cognitive impairment in aging life. TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor β1) is widely recognized as a multifunctional cytokine participating in numerous pathophysiological processes in the central nervous system. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective potentials of TGF-β1 in ischemic white matter lesions.

METHODS

A mouse model of bilateral common carotid artery stenosis was established to imitate the ischemic white matter lesions. The agonist of the TGF-β1 pathway was continuously applied via intraperitoneal injection. The Morris water maze test and gait analysis system were used to assess the cognitive and gait disorders in modeling mice. The Luxol fast blue staining, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy were conducted to determine the severity of demyelinating lesions, microglial activation, and dysfunction of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway in microglia. Furthermore, primary cultured microglia were exposed to extracted myelin debris and TGF-β1 in vitro to explore the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

As evaluated by behavioral tests, TGF-β1 significantly alleviated the cognitive dysfunction and gait disorder in bilateral common carotid artery stenosis-modeling mice. The demyelinating lesion and remyelination process were also found to be highly improved by activation of the TGF-β1 pathway. The results of immunostaining and electron microscopy showed that TGF-β1 could ameliorate microglial activation and the dysfunction of lipid metabolism in myelin-engulfed microglia. Mechanistically, in primary cultured microglia exposed to myelin debris, administration of TGF-β1 notably mitigated the inflammatory response and accumulation of intracellular lipid droplets via promoting the lipid droplets degradation in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, as quantified by flow cytometry, immunostaining, Western blot, etc. Yet, the application of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine significantly reversed the above anti-inflammatory effects of TGF-β1.

CONCLUSIONS

TGF-β1 relieved cognitive deficit, demyelinating lesions, and microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in bilateral common carotid artery stenosis modeling by reducing abnormal lipid droplet accumulation and dysfunction of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway in microglia. Clinically, staged activation of the TGF-β1 pathway may become a potential target and promising treatment for ischemic white matter lesions and vascular cognitive impairment.

Atrioventricular conduction abnormalities are associated with poor outcome following intermittent umbilical cord occlusions in fetal sheep

INTRODUCTION

Fetal arrhythmias have been described with intrapartum hypoxemia; however, they cannot be accurately diagnosed with currently used fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring systems due to low resolution and signal averaging. We used a Holter device to record electrocardiogram (ECG) at 250 Hz in term sheep fetuses that developed severe metabolic acidosis induced by intermittent umbilical cord occlusions (UCOs), mimicking human labor contractions. We hypothesized that UCOs leading to worsening fetal metabolic acidosis provoke distinct fetal arrhythmias that could indicate impending fetal death.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirteen pregnant sheep (gestational age 133-135/145 days) were instrumented under general anesthesia. Three electrodes were placed on the fetal chest and connected to a Holter device for continuous ECG recording at a sampling rate of 250 Hz. The fetal axillary artery was catheterized and an inflatable occluder was placed around the umbilical cord. After a 4-5 day recovery, complete UCOs were induced by inflating the occluder for 1 min, followed by deflation for 2 min, until the fetal arterial pH dropped <7.0 and/or base excess (BE) <-16. Thereafter, an emergency cesarean section was performed to deliver the fetus.

RESULTS

Eight sheep fetuses were included in the final analysis. All fetuses had normal baseline arterial blood gases and lactate values. During the first two UCOs, all fetuses demonstrated isolated benign arrhythmias. Three fetuses that developed severe metabolic acidosis after five UCOs showed persistent atrioventricular (AV) conduction abnormalities during the last UCO and its release, requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at birth. One fetus with third-degree AV block had no detectable QRS complexes at birth, developed ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation (VT/VF) during CPR, and was successfully defibrillated. Five fetuses tolerated ≥10 UCOs before developing severe metabolic acidosis, and none of these showed any persistent AV-conduction abnormalities, though one fetus died after developing VT/VF after the 10th UCO.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic acidemia induced by intermittent UCOs in term sheep fetuses is associated with various arrhythmias, some of which may be life-threatening. Continuous intrapartum fetal ECG recording at a sample rate of ≥250 Hz coupled with a software capable of automatically detecting significant arrhythmias could enhance intrapartum fetal monitoring in the future.

Mitigation of hepatic and gastric impairments induced by flunixin meglumine through co-administration with alpha lipoic acid in male rats

Long term use of Flunixin meglumine produces many gastric and hepatic hazards. The current study aimed to investigate using Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) for treating flunixin meglumine (FM)-induced liver and gastrointestinal problems in male rats. FM alternated with ALA for 14 and 56 days in the experiment. This study divided 72 male rats into six groups, 12 rats for each group. Group 1 (control) received saline and distilled water, Group 2 (ALA) received alpha lipoic acid orally at 100 mg/kg bwt, Group 3 (FM-2.5) received Flunixin meglumine subcutaneously at 2.5 mg/kg bwt, Group 4 (FM-5) received Flunixin meglumine subcutaneously, Group 5 (FM-2.5 and ALA) received FM and ALA, and Group 6 received FM and ALA. Elevated white blood cell (WBC) concentrations, ALT, AST, ALP, pro-inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, TNF-α, HMG), malonaldehyde (MDA), and significant reductions in hepatic and gastric total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were observed. At weeks 4 and 8, FM-5-treated groups had a lower stomach index weight. These changes improved when Groups 5 and 6 used ALA and FM. ALA treatment reduced WBCs, ALT, AST, ALP, NF-κB, TNF-α, HMG, MDA, TAC, and stomach index weight gains in FM-5-treated groups. Finally, biochemical markers and stomach index volume showed liver and stomach dysfunctions in male rats after FM injections. The simultaneous administration of ALA greatly reduced these deficits, suggesting it may prevent FM-related hepatic and gastrointestinal diseases.

Real-time imaging of blood coagulation and angiogenesis during development in a zebrafish model of type I antithrombin deficiency

Severe type I antithrombin (AT) deficiency is considered to cause embryonic lethality. Although several pathological analyses using mice or zebrafish have been attempted, the previous studies did not unveil the detailed mechanism leading to lethality in the early developmental stage. In order to solve this problem, we established type I AT deficient zebrafish by the CRISPR/Cas9 system into Tg(gata1:dsRed) and Tg(fli1a:GFP) lines, so that we could conduct real-time imaging of thrombosis and angiogenesis using fluorescence stereo zoom microscopy. The established zebrafish AT (zAT) mutants harbored frameshift mutations which resulted to be type I AT deficient, unable to secrete zAT protein into blood. Both heterozygous (zAT+/-) and homozygous (zAT-/-) mutants showed reduced survival rate and diverse thrombosis up to 9 days post fertilization. In addition, blood vessel formation was delayed at 30 hpf in zAT-/-, which was recovered normally by 5 dpf and had little effect on survival. Notably, we analyzed the differences in gene expression profiles under AT-depleted conditions by real-time quantitative PCR, and zAT-/- juvenile zebrafish showed increased PLG gene expression and decreased F2 gene expression. Our in vivo study revealed the effects of AT deficiency on embryos during development from the aspects of coagulation and vascular formation.

Effects of esketamine-based opioid-sparing anesthesia protocol in Bama miniature pigs undergoing robot-assisted nephrectomy

The safety and efficacy of the esketamine-based opioid-sparing anesthesia protocol, though validated, are understudied in robotic surgeries. This study used robot-assisted nephrectomy in Bama miniature pigs to explore its application. Six healthy Bama miniature pigs were randomly assigned to esketamine group (K) and control group (C). In Group K, based on the anesthetics of Group C, 0.5 mg/kg esketamine was used for anesthesia induction, and anesthesia was maintained with 0.5 mg/kg·h esketamine. Results showed Group K exhibited more stable hemodynamics intraoperatively, particularly at 5 min after the start of surgery and at the time of extubation (p < 0.05). Dosages of propofol (250 ± 8.7 mg vs. 347 ± 6.1 mg), sufentanil (12.3 ± 0.6 µg vs. 25 ± 1.0 µg) and remifentanil (498.3 ± 27.5 µg vs. 828.3 ± 20.2 µg) in group K were significantly reduced(p < 0.001). Recovery times for eyelid reflex (22.0 ± 2.0 min vs. 28.0 ± 2.6 min), extubation (24.7 ± 2.5 min vs. 32.3 ± 2.5 min), and righting reflex (37.7 ± 2.5 min vs. 48.7 ± 5.5 min) were significantly shorter in group K (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the esketamine-based opioid-sparing anesthesia protocol can be safely and effectively used in Bama miniature pigs undergoing robot-assisted nephrectomy.

Corchorus olitorius exhibits antiproliferative potential supported by metabolic profiling and integrative biological analyses

Herbal nutraceuticals could be employed as alternative or complementary routes for alleviating cancer. Corchorus olitorius (Malvaceae) was employed traditionally in the management of tumors. The study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative activity of C. olitorius leaves. In vitro cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic activities of C. olitorius were estimated. The bioactive fraction was subjected to in vivo study on BALB/ c female mice using Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma model. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis was done to determine the phytometabolites followed by in silico studies on the major identified compounds. The bioactive fraction possessed potent in vitro activity against A549 cells with IC50 = 7.8 µg/mL and exhibited strong anti-angiogenic activity. The in vivo study revealed the safety of the fraction and confirmed its anticancer activity. The tumor volume in the fraction treated group was reduced by 33.7% compared to the control group. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis led to the identification of 25 compounds belonging to different chemical classes. The in silico pharmacodynamic profile revealed that the compounds exhibited agreeable binding affinities toward EGFR, CDK2 and VEGF-A comparable to the standard drugs. C. olitorius is a promising herbal nutraceutical from which effective chemopreventive and anticancer formulations can be developed following further in depth studies.

Dietary L-carnitine modulates oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and pulmonary hypertension in chickens raised at high-altitude under cold stress

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated L-carnitine's impact on oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and pulmonary hypertensive response in broilers under high-altitude and cold stress.

METHOD

A total of 225 male broiler chicks (Ross 308, 38.5 ± 0.5 g) were raised at 2100 m altitude and exposed to cold stress. Birds were divided into three groups: control, LC-50 (50 mg/kg L-carnitine), and LC-100 (100 mg/kg L-carnitine). At 42 days, blood and tissues were collected to measure malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), hematocrit, and right ventricular to total ventricular weight (RV: TV) ratio (PHS indicator). Gene expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was analyzed in the heart, lung, and hindbrain using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

RESULTS

The RV: TV ratio, MDA levels, and hematocrit (%) significantly decreased in the LC-50 and LC-100 groups compared to the control group, while nitric oxide levels increased (For all P < 0.05). The expression of SOD1, GPX, CAT, and iNOS genes was significantly increased in the heart, lung, and hindbrain of the LC-100 group compared to the control group (P < 0.05), while CPT1 and CPT2 expression increased significantly only in the heart and hindbrain (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Dietary L-carnitine, especially at 100 mg/kg, effectively alleviates oxidative stress, enhances vasodilation, improves lipid metabolism, and mitigates pulmonary hypertensive responses in broilers exposed to high-altitude hypoxia and cold stress.

Fraudulent studies are undermining the reliability of systematic reviews: on the prevalence of problematic images in preclinical depression studies

Systematic reviews are considered by many to constitute the highest level of scientific evidence. However, the methods used in a systematic review for combining information from multiple studies are predicated on all of the reports being truthful. For a systematic review of preclinical studies of depression, we found that potentially fraudulent studies-studies featuring problematic images suggestive of gross error or manipulation-were both common and capable of biasing our findings. The prevalence of problematic studies (we had concerns with 19% of all studies with images) and our inability to find a simple pattern for identifying them undermine systematic reviews within our research field. We suspect that this is symptomatic of a broader problem that needs immediate addressing.

Safranal-loaded gold nanoparticles alleviate hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUND

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is frequently activated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); thus, it is considered a potential target for novel therapies. Safranal (SAF), a natural product, is reputed for its antitumor and antioxidant activities. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit unique physicochemical properties, they can carry and transport drugs to the tumor as they can passively accumulate within the tumor. The current study aims to evaluate SAF and SAF-AuNPs antitumor effect in HCC model via targeting the Wnt pathway and to evaluate the ability of SAF-AuNPs and Doxorubicin-gold nanoparticles (DOX-AuNPs) in ameliorating DOX chemo-resistance in HCC and enhancing its therapeutic index to reduce unwanted side effects.

RESULTS

 SAF significantly attenuated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which down-regulated the proliferation and tumor angiogenesis. SAF decreased significantly Wnt-3a, β-catenin, Cyclin D1 VEGF and MMP-9. Developing SAF-AuNPs enhanced the antitumor activity of SAF against HCC. Furthermore, SAF-AuNPs enhanced DOX-AuNPs antitumor activity and lowered multi-drug resistance (MDR) protein level, which attenuates DOX chemo-resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that SAF and SAF-AuNPs are promising treatments for HCC. They have promising antitumor activity in addition to the ability to attenuate DOX chemo-resistance, so, the desired therapeutic effect may be obtained with minor doses and lowering the side effects.

Identification of hub biomarkers in coronary artery disease patients using machine learning and bioinformatic analyses

Understanding the molecular underpinnings of CAD is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies. This study aims to identify and analyze differentially expressed hub biomarkers in the peripheral blood of CAD patients. Based on RNA-seq datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, machine learning algorithms including LASSO, RF, and SVM-RFE were applied. Furthermore, the hub biomarkers were enriched to ascertain their roles in immune cell expression and signaling pathways through GO, KEGG, GSVE, and GSVA. An in vivo experiment was conducted to verify the hub biomarkers. Eleven hub biomarkers (ITM2B, GNA15, PLAU, GNG11, HIST1H2BH, SLC11A1, RPS7, DDIT4, CD83, GNLY, and S100A12) were identified and associated with CD8 + T cells and NK cells. They were mainly involved in immune responses, cardiac muscle contraction, oxidative phosphorylation, and apoptotic signaling pathways. Moreover, ITM2B had the most importance and significance to be the biomarker of CAD patients. In conclusion, these findings point to the possibility of ITM2B as a biomarker on the inflammatory pathogenesis of CAD and suggest new options for therapeutic intervention.

Improving transparency in publishing: gaps in standardised reporting across surgical pathology and laboratory medicine journals

AIMS

Research reporting checklists are itemised writing standards to improve transparency and facilitate reproducibility. Previous assessments of their recommendation or requirement have demonstrated improved checklist adherence across medical specialties and study designs. Here, we investigated the endorsement of reporting checklists within pathology, laboratory medicine and forensic science journals.

METHODS

We queried Google Scholar Metrics and the Scopus CiteScore tool to identify top pathology and forensic medicine journals. Two authors independently assessed for the mention, recommendation or requirement or checklists-derived from the Enhancing the Quality and Transparency Of Health Research (EQUATOR) network-as well as study preregistration within each journal's aims and instructions for authors. Journal editors were contacted by one author every 3 weeks to confirm whether or not certain study designs would be considered for publication.

RESULTS

Of the 88 journals evaluated, most did not mention or endorse the EQUATOR Network (73.9%) or International Committee of Medical Journal Editors reporting standards (51.1%). The most commonly reported checklists included Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments (38.6%), Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (28.4%) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (25.0%). The CARE reporting checklist for case reports was required most often by five journals (5.7%). The final email response from journal editors and contacts was 9.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Reporting checklists were suboptimally mentioned and rarely required. Even with many basic and diagnostic science reporting checklists and initiatives, endorsement remains low. We recommend that authors, reviewers and editors become familiar with relevant reporting checklists for their fields and publishing spaces to improve checklist visibility and adherence for scientific transparency, reproducibility and rigour.

Investigating pulmonary inflammation and injury after progressive systemic inflammation in preterm fetal sheep

Introduction

Preterm birth and intrauterine inflammation are commonly associated with lung inflammation and remodeling. We developed a fetal inflammatory response model using increasing doses of intravenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to cause systemic inflammation and injury. However, the effects of an increasing systemic inflammatory response on fetal lung inflammation and injury are not known. We aimed to investigate the effect of repeated increasing doses of intravenous LPS on pulmonary inflammation and injury in preterm fetal sheep.

Methods

Fetal sheep at 124 days of gestation (term ∼148 days) underwent surgical instrumentation. At 129 days of gestation, fetal sheep were randomized to saline control (n = 8) or repeated LPS infusions (300 ng/24 h then doubled every 24 h for 2 days; n = 8). Four days after LPS/saline infusions commenced, fetal lungs were collected for histological and molecular analysis of markers of pulmonary inflammation and injury.

Results

Repeated increasing doses of intravenous LPS decreased arterial pH, PaO2, SaO2 and increased lactate and PaCO2 compared to controls. LPS infusions caused a decrease in mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1B (p = 0.030) and IL6 (p = 0.034) and an increase in IL18 (p < 0.0001). LPS exposure did not alter histological assessment of airway structure, elastin or collagen abundance, inflammatory cell infiltration or cell death compared to controls.

Conclusion

Intravenous administration of LPS did not cause fetal lung inflammation and injury assessed 4 days after LPS infusions commenced. Direct exposure to endotoxins within the lungs may be necessary to induce inflammation and injury in the fetal lungs.

Investigating fecal microbiota transplants from individuals with anorexia nervosa in antibiotic-treated mice using a cross-over study design

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex and serious mental disorder, which may affect individuals of all ages and sex, but primarily affecting young women. The disease is characterized by a disturbed body image, restrictive eating behavior, and a lack of acknowledgment of low body weight. The underlying causes of AN remain largely unknown, and current treatment options are limited to psychotherapy and nutritional support. This paper investigates the impact of Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT) from patients with AN on food intake, body weight, behavior, and gut microbiota into antibiotic-treated mice. Two rounds of FMT were performed using AN and control (CO) donors. During the second round of FMT, a subset of mice received gut microbiota (GM) from a different donor type. This split-group cross-over design was chosen to demonstrate any recovery effect of FMT from a non-eating disorder state donor. The first FMT, from donors with AN, resulted in lower food intake in mice without affecting body weight. Analysis of GM showed significant differences between AN and CO mice after FMT1, before cross-over. Specific bacterial genera and families Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Faecalibacterium showed different abundances in AN and CO receiving mice. Behavioral tests showed decreased locomotor activity in AN mice after FMT1. After FMT2, serum analysis revealed higher levels of appetite-influencing hormones (PYY and leptin) in mice receiving AN-GM. Overall, the results suggest that AN-GM may contribute to altered food intake and appetite regulation, which can be ameliorated with FMT from a non-eating disorder state donor potentially offering FMT as a supportive treatment for AN.

The gut-liver axis plays a limited role in mediating the liver's heat susceptibility of Chinese giant salamander

The Chinese giant salamander (CGS, Andrias davidianus), a flagship amphibian species, is highly vulnerable to high temperatures, posing a significant threat under future climate change. Previous research linked this susceptibility to liver energy deficiency, accompanied by shifts in gut microbiota and reduced food conversion rates, raising questions about the role of the gut-liver axis in mediating heat sensitivity. This study investigated the responses of Chinese giant salamander larvae to a temperature gradient (10-30 °C), assessing physiological changes alongside histological, gut metagenomic, and tissue transcriptomic analyses. Temperatures above 20 °C led to mortality, which resulted in delayed growth. Histological and transcriptomic data revealed metabolic exhaustion and liver fibrosis in heat-stressed salamanders, underscoring the liver's critical role in heat sensitivity. While heat stress altered the gut microbiota's community structure, their functional profiles, especially in nutrient absorption and transformation, remained stable. Both gut and liver showed temperature-dependent transcriptional changes, sharing some common variations in actins, heat shock proteins, and genes related to transcription and translation. However, their energy metabolism exhibited opposite trends: it was downregulated in the liver but upregulated in the gut, with the gut showing increased activity in the pentose phosphate pathway and oxidative phosphorylation, potentially countering metabolic exhaustion. Our findings reveal that the liver of the larvae exhibits greater thermal sensitivity than the gut, and the gut-liver axis plays a limited role in mediating thermal intolerance. This study enhances mechanistic understanding of CGS heat susceptibility, providing a foundation for targeted conservation strategies in the face of climate change.

TAT-CRE inhalation enables tumor induction corresponding to adenoviral Cre-recombinase in a lung cancer mouse model

Cre-recombinase inducible model systems are extensively used in cancer research to manipulate gene expression in specific tissues and induce autochthonous tumor growth. These systems often involve the cross-breeding of genetically engineered organisms containing loxP-flanked alleles with those expressing Cre-recombinase. This approach, while effective, has the challenge of requiring high numbers of animals due to breeding requirements. Other frequently used tumor induction methods in cancer research involve the direct application of viral Cre-recombinase vectors. This approach presents the challenge of the accessibility of facilities that meet the necessary safety level. In this context, we perform a comprehensive comparison between TAT-CRE (biosafety level S1) and adenoviral Cre-recombinase induced (biosafety level S2) lung adenocarcinomas driven by KrasG12D expression and Trp53 depletion. We use in vivo lung tumor monitoring via computed tomography, single-cell RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry to elucidate similarities and differences between TAT-CRE and adenoviral Cre-recombinase induced lung adenocarcinomas. TAT-CRE induced lung tumors present differences in micro-vessels and macrophages but with corresponding tumor onset and growth characteristics compared to adenoviral-Cre recombinase induced lung tumors. Taken together, TAT-CRE is a valuable genetic engineering safety level S1 alternative for cancer induction and may be implemented in other cancer models than lung cancer.

Maternal diabetes disrupts early corticogenesis through altered mitotic gene regulation: a transcriptomic analysis

Maternal diabetes is linked to neurodevelopmental impairments in offspring, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Early cortical neurogenesis is a critical window vulnerable to maternal metabolic disturbances. Here, we analyzed global gene expression by RNA sequencing in dorsal prosencephalon tissue from 12-day-old embryos without neural tube defects. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment identified key candidates, validated by qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. We found 247 differentially expressed genes (111 upregulated, 136 downregulated), with upregulated genes enriched in mitosis, microtubule organization, and chromosome segregation pathways. Aurkb and Numa1 emerged as central regulators and were confirmed upregulated by qRT-PCR. Although Western blotting showed no protein-level changes, immunofluorescence revealed altered subcellular localization, disrupted spindle architecture, monopolar spindles, and increased asymmetric divisions in neural stem cells. These results suggest maternal diabetes disrupts mitotic regulation, accelerates neurogenic differentiation, and depletes the neural stem cell pool, potentially contributing to cortical defects and neurodevelopmental impairments in offspring. This study provides new insight into the developmental origins of neurodevelopmental disorders in the context of maternal diabetes, highlighting mitotic dysregulation as a potential mechanistic link in fetal programming.

Hippocampal NLRP1 inflammasome mediates anxiety-like behavior in mice with hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is associated with anxiety and depression. However, the mechanisms underlying these neuropsychiatric symptoms remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of the NLRP1 inflammasome in anxiety-like behavior in mice with hypothyroidism. Male C57BL/6j mice were divided into three groups: euthyroid controls, a hypothyroid model group induced by propylthiouracil, and a hypothyroid group treated with levothyroxine (L-T4). Anxiety-like behavior was assessed using both the open field test and the elevated plus maze. Protein levels of NLRP1 inflammasome components and associated cytokines in the hippocampus were examined by Western blot analysis. Mice with hypothyroidism exhibited anxiety-like behavior, as evidenced by decreased activity in the central area of the open field and reduced time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze. These behavioral changes were accompanied by an increased expression of NLRP1 inflammasome components (NLRP1, ASC, and Caspase-1) and associated cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-6) in the hippocampus. L-T4 treatment reversed both the behavioral deficits and inflammatory changes. Our findings highlight the crucial role of NLRP1 inflammasome activation in the hippocampus in mediating anxiety-like behavior in hypothyroid mice, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying hypothyroidism-related psychiatric comorbidities and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

Endogenous Recovery of Hippocampal Function Following Global Cerebral Ischemia in Juvenile Female Mice Is Influenced by Neuroinflammation and Circulating Sex Hormones

Cardiac arrest (CA)-induced global cerebral ischemia (GCI) in childhood often results in learning and memory deficits. We previously demonstrated in a murine CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA/CPR) mouse model that a cellular mechanism of learning and memory, long-term potentiation (LTP), is acutely impaired in the hippocampus of juvenile males, correlating with deficits in memory tasks. However, little is known regarding plasticity impairments in juvenile females. We performed CA/CPR in juvenile (P21-25) female mice and used slice electrophysiology and hippocampal-dependent behavior to assess hippocampal function. LTP and contextual fear were impaired 7 days after GCI and endogenously recovered by 30 days. LTP remained impaired at 30 days in ovariectomized females, suggesting the surge in gonadal sex hormones during puberty mediates endogenous recovery. Unlike juvenile males, recovery of LTP in juvenile females was not associated with BDNF expression. NanoString transcriptional analysis revealed a potential role of neuroinflammatory processes, and specifically Cd68 pathways, in LTP impairment and hormone-dependent recovery. This was confirmed with staining that revealed increased Cd68 expression in microglia within the hippocampus. We were able to restore LTP in ovariectomized females with chronic and acute PPT administration, implicating estrogen receptor alpha in recovery mechanisms. This study supports a mechanism of endogenous LTP recovery after GCI in juvenile female mice, which differs mechanistically from juvenile males and does not occur in adults of either sex.

Macrophage Lyn Kinase Is a Sex-Specific Regulator of Post-Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Neuroinflammation

BACKGROUND

Lyn kinase is a member of the Src family of tyrosine kinases, primarily known for its role in regulating immune cell signaling. It can phosphorylate and modulate the activity of various proteins involved in immune responses, including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). TLR4-mediated inflammatory pathways have been extensively studied; however, the sex-specific interaction of TLR4 and Lyn in neuroinflammation after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has yet to be investigated. SAH occurs due to a ruptured aneurysm, and the consequences often lead to neuroinflammation and cognitive impairments. In our study, we investigated the sex-specific involvement of Lyn kinase in regulating TLR4 signaling to understand the TLR4-mediated inflammatory response after SAH.

METHODS

Cell-specific Lyn knockout mice of both sexes were used for this study. Wild-type and conditional knockout mouse brains were analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting at postoperative day 7 following SAH surgery. An unbiased spatial transcriptomic analysis was performed with the frozen mouse brain tissues. A 3-dimensional brain stroke model and cerebrospinal fluid samples of patients with SAH were also used for this study.

RESULTS

Our overall animal and patient data from flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, western blot, cognitive function tests, and spatial transcriptomic data revealed that Lyn kinase is a sex-specific regulator in inflammatory cytokine production, red blood cell phagocytosis, neuronal apoptosis, and cognitive function, as well as a negative regulator of TLR4 signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight sex-specific modulation of Lyn kinase activity in TLR4 signaling after hemorrhagic stroke and indicate that successful treatment of neuroinflammation may require sex-specific treatments.

Novel Sulfonamide-Sydnone Hybrids: Complementary Insight into Anti-Inflammatory Action, Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity, Human Serum Albumin Interaction, and in silico Analysis

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe condition often seen in intensive care unit patients. Due to limited treatment options, ALI is linked to high rates of mortality and morbidity. Bacterial and viral infections are significant contributors to ALI. For instance, severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can lead to a strong inflammatory response that may progress to ALI, a leading cause of death in COVID-19 cases. Prior research has demonstrated that sulfonamides and sydnones exhibit anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which has led us to develop compounds containing both scaffolds. Most of the new sulfonamide-sydnone hybrids are expected to be orally bioavailable based on in silico ADME predictions. They effectively suppressed the development of ALI in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged mice and inhibited viral replication in Calu-3 cells, with minimal cytotoxicity in non-infected Calu-3 and Vero E6 cells. Molecular docking investigations indicated some possible viral targets for the action of the sydnones, highlighting the possible interaction with non-structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, combined experimental and theoretical studies indicated that the new compounds can strongly interact with human serum albumin, suggesting a possible extended residence time in the human bloodstream.

Loperamide increases mouse gut transit time in a dose-dependent manner with treatment duration-dependent effects on distinct gut microbial taxa

Intestinal transit time has been recognized as an important factor in shaping the gut microbiota, although causality remains to be firmly demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different loperamide doses on the mouse intestinal transit time and to investigate the effects of increasing transit time on the gut microbial community. Loperamide significantly increased the transit time in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, we observed a significant difference between the control group and the loperamide-treated groups in the abundance of the bacterial families Bacteroidaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, and Akkermansiaceae after 7 days of loperamide treatment, with the bacterial families responding to the increased transit time at different rates. Fermentation of faeces obtained from the same mice, with or without loperamide, demonstrated that the observed effects on gut microbiota in vivo were not a result of direct interactions between loperamide and the gut microbiota but rather a consequence of loperamide-induced increased intestinal transit time. In the cecum of the mice, we found higher levels of propionate in the high-dose group compared to the control and low-dose groups. Collectively, our findings establish that an altered transit time is causal to changes in the composition and activity of the microbiome.

Citronellol protects renal function by exerting anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects against acute kidney injury induced by folic acid in mice

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by an abrupt cessation of kidney function. Folic acid-induced renal tubular damage is marked by immense inflammation and apoptosis in the kidney. Citronellol is a type of natural monoterpene alcohol commonly used in traditional medicine. Citronellol possesses pharmacological properties such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. This study aimed to investigate the reno-protective effect of citronellol against folic acid-induced AKI in mice models. Mice were divided into four groups. In addition to control and AKI-induction groups, two treatment groups were mice that received 50 or 100 mg/kg/day of citronellol orally for four consecutive days. On day 4, mice also received a single injection of folic acid (250 mg/kg) and were euthanized after 48 h. Citronellol 50 and 100 mg/kg rescued renal function as indicated by the significant reduction of serum urea, serum creatinine, and gene expression of KIM-1 compared to the non-treated group. In addition, citronellol 50 and 100 mg/kg relieved renal inflammation by significantly downregulating NF-κB, IL-6, and IL-1β gene expressions compared to the non-treated mice. Furthermore, citronellol retarded renal apoptotic events by the significant decline in renal tissue BAX and cleaved caspase-3 levels compared to non-treated mice. Histopathological report of renal tissue provides further evidence that augments the above results. The study highlighted the importance of some natural compounds that could have a place in therapeutic procedures for kidney injury, as observed by the strong renal protective effects of citronellol against AKI and remarkable anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic actions.

Thirty-day oral exposure to acetamiprid induces biochemical and histological alterations in rat pancreas: protective effects of carnosine supplementation

Acetamiprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide used against various insect pests. Serious concerns are emerging regarding their adverse effects on non-target organisms and organs. This study aimed to investigate the mechanistic toxic effect of oral administration of acetamiprid at 21.7 and 43.4 mg/kg body weight on the histological structure and pancreatic function of male Wistar rats and the potential effect of carnosine in mitigating this toxicity for 30 consecutive days. Thirty-six animals were divided into six groups: the control group received distilled water, the second group received 200 mg/kg body weight of carnosine, two groups received 21.7 and 43.4 mg/kg of acetamiprid, and two groups received 21.7 and 43.4 mg/kg + 200 kg/kg body weight of acetamiprid and carnosine, respectively. Acetamiprid caused a significant decrease in body weight (p < 0.001), pancreatic somatic index (p < 0.001), and amylase level (p ≤ 0.0001) and increased lipase level (p ≤ 0.0001), blood glucose level (p ≤ 0.0001), histological scores (p ≤ 0.01), and malondialdehyde level (0.01 Collapse

Key Words

• Neonicotinoid insecticide
• Wistar rat
• carnosine
• pancreas
• subacute toxicity

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MESH Headings

• Animals
• Rats, Wistar
• Neonicotinoids/toxicity
• Neonicotinoids/administration & dosage
• Male
• Pancreas/drug effects
• Pancreas/pathology
• Pancreas/metabolism
• Carnosine/pharmacology
• Carnosine/administration & dosage
• Administration, Oral
• Insecticides/toxicity
• Insecticides/administration & dosage
• Amylases/metabolism
• Amylases/blood
• Rats
• Blood Glucose
• Oxidative Stress/drug effects
• Dietary Supplements
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug

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Affiliation(s)

Imen Benchikh Laboratory of Applied Hydrology and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Ain Temouchent, Ain Témouchent, Algeria Laboratoire de Nutrition, Pathologie, Agro-Biotechnologie et Santé (NuPABS), Department of biology, Faculty of Natural and Life sciences, Djillali Liabès University, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria
Kaddour Ziani Laboratory of Biotoxicology, Pharmacognosy and Biological Valorization of Plants, Department of Biology, University of Saida, Dr. Taher Moulay, Saida, Algeria
Abdelkrim Benalia Laboratory of Environment and Health Research (LRES), Faculty of Medicine, Djillali Liabès University, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria
Ahmed Abdelhammid Djebbar Laboratory of Environment and Health Research (LRES), Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, Djillali Liabès University, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria
Hayat Argoub Service of Anatomy & Pathology, University Hospital Center Hassani Adbelkader, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria
Méghit Boumediène Khaled Laboratoire de Nutrition, Pathologie, Agro-Biotechnologie et Santé (NuPABS), Department of biology, Faculty of Natural and Life sciences, Djillali Liabès University, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria

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Assessing Cardiopulmonary Safety of Intramedullary Bone Graft Harvesting: A Comparative Study of the RIA 2 System and the ARA Concept

The management of large osseous defects requires innovative intramedullary bone graft harvesting techniques to optimize healing while minimizing complications. Intramedullary bone graft harvesting is, however, associated with potential cardiopulmonary adverse events due to embolic phenomena and systemic inflammation. This study compares the newly introduced aspirator + reaming-aspiration (ARA) concept with the established second-generation Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator (RIA 2) system, focusing on cardiopulmonary safety in a non-fracture sheep femur model. Sixteen female Merino sheep underwent intramedullary bone grafting using either the RIA 2 system or the ARA concept. The primary outcomes measured were blood loss, hemodynamic parameters, pulmonary function via the Horovitz index, and systemic inflammatory responses postprocedure. Findings revealed minimal and comparable blood loss between the two groups (p = 0.55). Additionally, no significant differences were found in hemodynamic stability (all p ≥ 0.05), pulmonary function (p = 0.96), or systemic inflammation (all p ≥ 0.10) between the RIA 2 system and ARA concept groups, demonstrating the comparable safety profile of the ARA concept to the RIA 2 system. In conclusion, the ARA concept emerges as a viable and effective alternative to the RIA 2 system for intramedullary bone graft harvesting, with similar safety profiles. These promising results advocate for further clinical trials to validate the utility of the ARA concept in human patients.

Biofabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles mitigate acrylamide-induced immune toxicity and modulate immune-related genes and microRNA in rats

This study evaluated the potential efficacy of eco-friendly biofabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (GS-ZnONP) (10 mg/kg b.wt) to reduce the impacts of long-term oral acrylamide (ALD) exposure (20 mg/kg b.wt) on the blood cells, immune components, splenic oxidative status, and expression of CD20, CD3, CD4, CD8, TNF-α, caspase-3, microRNA-181a-5p, and microRNA-125-5p in rats in a 60-day experiment. The study findings revealed that GS-ZnONP significantly corrected the ALD-induced hematological alterations. Additionally, the ALD-induced increase in the serum C3, splenic ROS, CD4, CD8, and MDA and histological alterations were significantly repressed in the ALD + GS-ZnONP-treated rats. Instead, the depleted splenic antioxidants and Zn contents were markedly reestablished in the ALD + GS-ZnONP-treated group. Additionally, a significant upregulation of expression of splenic CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, TNF-α, and caspase-3, but downregulation of microRNA-181a-5p and microRNA-125-5p was detected in the ALD-exposed group. Yet, the former deviations in the gene expressions were corrected in the ALD + GS-ZnONP-treated rats. Furthermore, GS-ZnONP treatment significantly minimized the increased caspase-3 and TNF-α immunoexpression in the splenic tissues of ALD-exposed rats. Conclusively, the study findings proved the efficacy of GS-ZnONP in rescuing ALD-induced disturbances in blood cell populations, immune function, splenic antioxidant status, and immune-related gene expression.

A Systematic Review of the Beneficial Effects of Berry Extracts on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Animal Models

CONTEXT

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in Western countries and is strongly associated with several metabolic disorders. Plant-derived bioactive extracts, such as berry extracts, with high antioxidant capacity have been used for the treatment and prevention of this pathology. Moreover, they promote circular economy and sustainability.

OBJECTIVE

To study the beneficial effects of extracts from different parts of berry plants in animal models of NAFLD.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic research of the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published after January 2011. In vivo animal studies of NAFLD were included in which berry extracts of different parts of the plant were administered and significantly improved altered biomarkers related to the pathology, such as lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis, glucose and glycogen metabolism, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomarkers.

DATA EXTRACTION

Of a total of 203 articles identified, 31 studies were included after implementation of the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

DATA ANALYSIS

Most of the studies showed a decrease in steatosis and a stimulation of genes related to β-oxidation and downregulation of lipogenic genes, with administration of berry extracts. Berry extracts also attenuated inflammation and oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of berry extracts seems to have promising potential in the design of enriched foodstuffs or nutraceuticals for the treatment of NAFLD.

White matter microglia morphological changes with aging in guinea pig offspring born growth restricted

Fetal growth restriction is implicated in the programming of later-life neurodegeneration. We hypothesized that growth-restricted offspring would show accelerated changes to microglial white matter morphology, relative to controls. Control guinea pig sows were fed ad libitum, while maternal nutrient restriction sows received 70% of control diet switched to 90% from mid-gestation. Offspring were sacrificed at ∼26 days (neonate) or ∼110 days (adult) postpartum. Coronal brain sections from the frontal cortex were subject to IBA1 staining for microglial detection and analyzed by machine learning software. At birth, total body weight of growth-restricted offspring was reduced relative to control (p < 0.0001) with postnatal catch-up growth observed. Microglial density was reduced in the corpus callosum of control (p < 0.05) and growth-restricted (p = 0.13) adults, relative to neonates. Adults from both groups showed greater IBA1-positive area in the cingulum and periventricular white matter (p < 0.05) and increased microglial fractal dimension in the corpus callosum (p < 0.10) and periventricular white matter (p < 0.05), relative to neonates. At the time points studied, we report age-related changes in white matter microglial morphology. However, maternal nutrient restriction leading to fetal growth restriction in guinea pigs does not appear to exacerbate these white matter microglia morphological changes as a marker for later-life neurodegeneration.

Fluoroquinolones and the risk of aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection: evidence from a nationwide nested case-control study paralleled with matched experimental models

Aims

Fluoroquinolones (FQ) have been associated with aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection (AA/AD) resulting in an official warning. Recently, large-scale epidemiological studies failed to confirm this.

Methods and Results

The current study aimed to scrutinize the FQ-AA/AD association through a retrospective nested case-cohort analysis supplemented with animal experimentation. FQ exposure was not associated with increased AA/AD hazard ratios in main and high-risk (elderly ≥65 years, hypertensive, and prevalent aortic disease) populations. Additionally, FQ did not cause increased mortality or aortic interventions in aortic disease patients. In addition, in animal experimentation, ciprofloxacin did not enlarge aortic diameters nor increase arterial stiffness.

Conclusion

Conventional use of FQ should not be avoided when clinically indicated.

Hypoxic pregnancy promotes fibrosis and increases stress metabolites in the ovine fetal liver

Fetal chronic hypoxia is a common pregnancy complication associated with fetal growth restriction. Growth-restricted offspring have a higher risk for liver metabolic disease. Our objective was to better understand how chronic hypoxia impacts the developing fetal liver. We hypothesized that hypoxia promotes hepatocellular injury, shifts nutrient metabolism, and activates energetic and oxidative stress in the fetal liver. We used an ovine model of chronic hypoxia where pregnant ewes were housed under normoxic (CON) or hypoxic (HOX) conditions for 30 days in late gestation. Fetal liver was obtained, histologically analysed and profiled using bulk-RNA sequencing and metabolomics. Nutrient and oxidative stress signalling pathways were also measured. HOX fetuses had greater hepatic periportal collagen deposition. Metabolomics and transcriptomics predicted disruptions in central carbon metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased oxidative phosphorylation. In support, we found potentiation of the gluconeogenic pathway and increased lactate production, pyruvate oxidation and AMPK activation. By contrast to the predicted effects, hypoxic livers maintained mitochondrial oxidation and antioxidant capacity. Interestingly, acylcarnitines were increased, yet hepatic triglyceride content was similar. Although there was little activation of oxidative stress markers, such as lipid peroxidation or oxidized glutathione, we uncovered a unique profile of liver stress-related metabolites in association with periportal collagen. Thus, hypoxic pregnancy increased fetal hepatic collagen deposition, indicating liver injury, in association with a unique profile of liver stress metabolites and adaptations in central carbon metabolism. These results provide new insight into how chronic fetal hypoxia may initiate fibrotic and metabolic liver disease risk in offspring of adverse pregnancy. KEY POINTS: Chronic exposure to hypoxic pregnancy increased fetal hepatic collagen deposition, indicating hepatocellular injury. Hypoxic fetal livers had a unique profile of stress metabolites and adaptations in central carbon metabolism. This provides new insight into how hypoxia, a common pregnancy complication associated with fetal growth restriction, may initiate fibrotic and metabolic liver disease risk.

A flavonoid Ombuin ameliorates thioacetamide-mediated liver cirrhosis in vivo: biochemical, immunohistochemical, inflammatory approaches

Liver cirrhosis is posing a global public health concern despite improvements in early diagnosis and therapeutic innovations. The present work evaluates the acute toxicity and prophylactic effects of an O-methylated flavonoid (Ombuin) in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury in rats and its underlying mechanisms. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were aligned into five cages and treated for two months as follows: group A ingested orally 1% CMC + distilled water (i.p.); group B had 1% CMC + 200 mg/kg TAA i.p. (three times weekly); group C had 50 mg/kg silymarin + 200 mg/kg TAA; group D had 30 mg/kg Ombuin + TAA; group E had 60 mg/kg Ombuin + mg/kg TAA. The non-toxic effects of Ombuin were evidenced by the lack of any toxicity incidence in rats ingested with up to 500 mg/kg. The TAA inoculation provoked significant hepatic intoxication confirmed by histopathological indications, alteration of tissue architecture, cellular proliferation, endothelial injury, enlarged hepatic nucleus, cytoplasmic vacuolation, collagen deposition, and elevated necrotizing tissues. The oxidative stress and inflammation process was noticeably initiated following TAA delivery to rats evidenced by down-regulation of SOD, CAT, GPx, and IL- 10, while, up-regulating the MDA and TNF-α and IL- 6 cytokines. TAA injection stimulated cellular proliferation and apoptotic actions in injured liver tissues, indicated by increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and elevated expression of Bcl- 2-associated X (Bax) proteins. Ombuin supplementation showed significant resistance against TAA-mediated hepatotoxicity, reversed those cellular alterations, and restored liver functions. These results demonstrate significant ameliorative effects of Ombuin in TAA hepatotoxic rats, which could be attributed to its anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potentials, making it a possible viable hepatoprotective agent for inflammatory-related hepatitis.

L-DOPA Induces Spatially Discrete Changes in Gene Expression in the Forebrain of Mice with a Progressive Loss of Dopaminergic Neurons

L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) is effective at alleviating motor impairments in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients but has mixed effects on nonmotor symptoms and causes adverse effects after prolonged treatment. Here, we analyzed the spatial profile of L-DOPA-induced gene expression in the forebrain of mice with an inducible progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons (the TIF-IADATCreERT2 strain), with a focus on the similarities and differences in areas relevant to different PD symptoms. The animals received a 14-day L-DOPA treatment, and 1 h after the final drug injection, a spatial transcriptome analysis was performed on coronal forebrain sections. A total of 121 genes were identified as being regulated by L-DOPA. We found that the treatment had widespread effects extending beyond the primary areas involved in dopamine-dependent movement control. An unsupervised clustering analysis of the transcripts recapitulated the forebrain anatomy and indicated both ubiquitous and region-specific effects on transcription. The changes were most pronounced in layers 2/3 and 5 of the dorsal cortex and the dorsal striatum, where a robust increase in the abundance of activity-regulated transcripts, including Fos, Egr1, and Junb, was observed. Conversely, transcripts with a decreased abundance, e.g., Plekhm2 or Pgs1, were identified primarily in the piriform cortex, the adjacent endopiriform nucleus, and the claustrum. Taken together, our spatial analysis of L-DOPA-induced alterations in gene expression reveals the anatomical complexity of treatment effects, identifying novel genes affected by the drug, as well as molecular activation in brain areas relevant to the nonmotor symptoms of PD.

Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) Acts as Inhibitor of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) and Hampers NO Production and Acetylcholine-Mediated Vasorelaxation in Rat Aortas

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is an endogenous osmolyte produced by enzymatic reactions starting in the human gut, where microbiota release trimethylamine (TMA) from foods, and ending in the liver, where TMA is oxidized to TMAO by flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3). While physiological concentrations of TMAO help proteins preserve their folding, high levels of this metabolite are harmful and promote oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. In humans, elevated levels of circulating TMAO predispose individuals to cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease and increase mortality risk, especially in the elderly. How TMAO exerts its negative effects has been only partially elucidated. In hypertensive rats, the eNOS substrate L-arginine and Taurisolo®, a nutraceutical endowed with TMAO-reducing activity, act synergistically to reduce arterial blood pressure. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanisms underpinning this synergism and prove that TMAO, the target of Taurisolo®, acts as direct inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and competes with L-arginine at its catalytic site, ultimately inhibiting NO production and acetylcholine (Ach)-induced relaxation in murine aortas.

Establishment of a patient-derived 3D in vitro meningioma model in xeno-free hydrogel for clinical applications

BACKGROUND

Meningiomas exhibit a complex biology that, despite notable successes in preclinical studies, contributes to the failures of pharmaceutical clinical trials. Animal models using patient tumor cells closely mimic in vivo conditions but are labor-intensive, costly, and unsuitable for high-throughput pharmaceutical testing. In comparison, monolayer cell models (two-dimensional, 2D) are cost-efficient but lack primary tumor cell-cell interactions, potentially overestimating treatment effects. Three-dimensional (3D) models offer an alternative through more precise mimicking of tumor morphology and physiology than 2D models and are less costly than in vivo methods. Here, we aimed to establish a 3D cell model in a solid xeno-free medium using patient-derived tumors, thus creating a bench-to-clinic pathway for personalized pharmaceutical testing.

METHODS

Four WHO grade 1 and one WHO grade 2 (third-passage, fresh) and 12 WHO grade 1 patient-derived meningioma cells (sixth-passage, frozen) and the malignant IOMM-Lee cell line were used to establish 2D and 3D models. The 3D model was developed using a solid xeno-free medium. After 3 months for the primary tumor and 13 days for the IOMM-Lee cell line, the 3D models were extracted and assessed using histology, immunohistochemistry, and epigenetic analyses (EPICv2 array) on five pairs to evaluate their structural fidelity, cellular composition, and epigenetic landscape compared to the original tumor.

RESULTS

None of the frozen samples successfully generated 3D models. Models from fresh meningioma samples were more immunohistochemically similar to the primary tumors compared to 2D models, particularly regarding proliferation. 3D models displayed loss of fibrous tissue. All 3D models had similar copy number variation profiles, visually. Genome-wide DNA methylation level patterns were similar between pairs of 3D models and primary tumors. Correlation plots between CpG methylation levels showed high congruency between primary meningiomas and their corresponding 3D models for all samples (R > 0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

Our patient-derived 3D meningioma models closely mimicked primary tumors in terms of cell morphology, immunohistochemical markers and genome-wide DNA methylation patterns, providing a cost-effective and accessible alternative to in vivo models. This approach has the potential to facilitate personalized treatment strategies for patients requiring additional therapy beyond surgery.

The Efficacy of Ferroptosis Inhibition on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of Abdominal Organs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Solid organ transplantation is hampered by complications that arise after ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), a detrimental type of injury for which no adequate treatment options are available. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, is a major driver of IRI. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the effects of pharmacological ferroptosis inhibition in abdominal organs in the setting of IRI. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane were searched for concepts "ferroptosis" and "IRI" in August 2023. To allow for meta-analyses, inhibitors were divided into different intervention pathways: (I) lipophilic radical scavengers, (II) iron chelators, (III) antioxidants, (IV) lipid metabolism inhibitors, (V) combination treatments, and (VI) others. When available, organ function and injury effect sizes were extracted and used for random-effects meta-analyses. In total 79 articles were included, describing 59 unique inhibitors in kidney, liver, and intestinal IRI. No studies in pancreas were found. Overall bias and study quality was unclear and average to low, respectively. Apart from 1 clinical study, all inhibitors were tested in preclinical settings. The vast majority of the studies showed ferroptosis inhibition to be protective against IRI under various treatment conditions. In liver and kidney IRI, meta-analyses on standardized effect sizes from 43 articles showed a combined protective effect against IRI compared with a nontreated controls for all analyzed intervention pathways. In conclusion, ferroptosis inhibition protects against abdominal IRI in preclinical research. Important questions regarding optimal intervention pathway, bioavailability, optimal dosage, side effects etc. should be addressed before clinical introduction.

Chronic starvation induces microglial cell depletion in an activity-based anorexia model

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disease with a largely unknown pathophysiology. AN leads to reduced brain volume and a disbalance of the gut microbiome suggesting the involvement of the gut-brain-axis. Also, in the activity-based anorexia (ABA) animal model mimicking AN brain volume loss is observed. This study investigated the impact of chronic starvation on brain cell populations and evaluated the potential protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids (FA) and probiotics in rats. We used a chronic ABA model and provided daily oral supplementation of omega-3 FA and probiotics. Immunohistochemistry and qPCR were used to analyze GFAP-positive astrocytes, IBA1-positive microglia, OLIG1/2-positive oligodendrocytes, MAP2-positive neurons and Ki-67-positive proliferating cells in the cerebral cortex and corpus callosum. We found a significant reduction of astrocytes and microglia in all ABA groups, likely due to reduced proliferating cells. Reduced running wheel activity and reduced amount of food needed to sustain body weight were observed in animals with supplementation with omega-3 FA and probiotics but we did not observe alterations in brain cells that could be attributed to these supplementations. Our results indicate that glial cell depletion potentially underlies the diminished brain volume found in ABA rats. Omega-3 FA and probiotics show potential for reducing AN-related symptoms and merit further study as a therapeutic approach.

Knowledge and awareness of the use of reporting guidelines in specialist dentists: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Reporting guidelines are guidelines developed to standardize the reporting of scientific studies, to ensure that it is transparent, accurate, and complete, and to improve the quality of the study. Their use is very important in terms of literature. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness of specialist dentists about the reporting guidelines of scientific research.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 240 specialist dentists and research assistants continuing their specialty education in Turkey. A questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and respondents' level of knowledge about the Enhancing Quality and Transparency of Health Research (EQUATOR) Network and reporting guidelines was prepared. Data were collected through this questionnaire. Data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed with IBM SPSS v23. Pearson's Chi-square test, Yates Correction, and Fisher's Exact tests were used to analyze the association between categorical variables(p < 0.050).

RESULTS

80.8% of the participants were female,19.2% were male and 48.8% were aged between 30 and 35 years.13.8% of the participants had heard the term EQUATOR Network before. Of these, 10.4% learned it from journal websites, and the rest from congresses and seminars. In scientific papers, 32.9% have served as reviewers, but only 7% have used the reporting guidelines. The title group with the best knowledge of the EQUATOR network was the Associate Professor Prof group with a rate of 44.4%. The most recognized reporting guidelines were CONSORT (17.5%), PRISMA (16.3%), and STROBE (%12.1). 82.5% of the participants would like to be informed about the guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Specialist dentists' awareness and use of scientific research reporting guidelines and the EQUATOR Network are insufficient. However, they would like to have information on this subject. With the conclusion of this study, a great deal of awareness has been created among the participants. In addition, detailed training on reporting guidelines may increase their utilization.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation for anti-urolithiasis potential of Ficus racemosa L. bark extract in ethylene glycol induced rat model

Even after stone removal, urolithiasis might reoccur, affecting patients' quality of life. Our study tested Ficus racemosa L. bark hydroalcoholic extract (FRBHE) for anti-urolithiasis efficacy. First, the extract was tested for dissolution of calcium oxalate as well as calcium phosphate crystal in-vitro. Also in-vivo, 0.75% w/v of Ethylene glycol (EG) for 28 days with drinking water was used to induce urolithiasis. By day 14, EG consumption developed calcium oxalate crystals, altered urine pH, urine volume, levels of minerals, and nephrological indicators in urine and serum that indicates urolithiasis. From day 15 to day 28, while EG consumption continued, FRBHE (200 and 400 mg/kg) and marketed formulation Cystone tablet (150 mg/kg) were given to rats. FRBHE treatment lowered the calcium, uric acid and urea and increase the creatinine, magnesium in urine in contrast to disease control group (P < 0.001). In plasma of EG consuming rats, level of calcium, potassium, magnesium, creatinine, uric acid and urea were elevated compared to normal rats (P < 0.001). FRBHE, similar to Cystone, normalized plasma parameters. On days 14 and 28, glutathione (P < 0.001) and catalase (P < 0.05) decreased and malondialdehyde (P < 0.001) increased in the kidney as compared to normal control group, indicating oxidative stress in urolithiatic rats. Treatment groups showed increased levels of glutathione and decreased malondialdehyde indicating oxidative stress recovery as compared to disease control group ((P < 0.001). Histopathological study of the kidney reveals medication therapy can reduce EG and calcium oxalate stone-mediated cellular damage. Current study proves Ficus racemosa L. bark may inhibit urolithiasis in-vitro and in-vivo warranting further clinical trials to confirm therapeutic efficacy.

Neurogenesis drives hippocampal formation-wide spatial transcription alterations in health and Alzheimer's disease

The mechanism by which neurogenesis regulates the profile of neurons and glia in the hippocampal formation is not known. Further, the effect of neurogenesis on neuronal vulnerability characterizing the entorhinal cortex in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is unknown. Here, we used in situ sequencing to investigate the spatial transcription profile of neurons and glia in the hippocampal circuitry in wild-type mice and in familial AD (FAD) mice expressing varying levels of neurogenesis. This approach revealed that in addition to the dentate gyrus, neurogenesis modulates the cellular profile in the entorhinal cortex and CA regions of the hippocampus. Notably, enhancing neurogenesis in FAD mice led to partial restoration of neuronal and cellular profile in these brain areas, resembling the profile of their wild-type counterparts. This approach provides a platform for the examination of the cellular dynamics in the hippocampal formation in health and in AD.

Psilocin alleviates acute itch in mice: possible involvement of 5-HT2A receptors and kynurenine pathway

We aimed to investigate whether psilocin, the bioactive metabolite of the well-known psychedelic, psilocybin, may have antipruritic effects in mice by interfering with the kynurenine pathway and interacting with 5-HT2A receptors. Eight mice were randomly assigned to each of the study groups receiving either normal saline, compound 48/80, psilocin (0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg), or psilocin (1 mg/kg) + 1-MT (0.3 mg/kg). The scratching bouts were documented in each group. The hallucinogenic properties of psilocin were documented using the head-twitch response (HTR) test. To confirm their involvement, we also quantified the expression levels of TNF-α, TLR-4, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and 5-HT2A receptors across various study groups. We found that psilocin (1 mg/kg) exerted the most significant antipruritic and hallucinogenic effects (P < 0.0001). The activity of 5-HT2A receptors in the skin tissue of mice was confirmed by western blot. When psilocin (1 mg/kg) was given together with 1-MT (0.3 mg/kg), the antipruritic effects became more pronounced as compared to when psilocin was given alone (P < 0.05). TLR-4 and TNF-α expression levels considerably reduced after psilocin was applied, both alone and together with 1-MT (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). We also observed significantly decreased activity of IDO in the treatment groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 after giving psilocin alone, and together with 1-MT, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first study to confirm the effectiveness of psychedelics in battling pruritus. Our findings offer a novel repositioning for psilocin. This may be particularly beneficial for psychological conditions accompanied by pruritus.

Clinical and molecular description of natural infections with an Asian strain of lumpy skin disease virus in Bos indicus

Knowledge of the dynamic of clinical infections with Asian strains of LSD virus (LSDV) in Bos indicus is scarce. This study reports on the clinical, serological and molecular features of natural infections with LSDV in B. indicus during the first outbreak in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 2023. Eleven Peranakan ongole (PO) breed cattle with multiple skin lumps were included in the study. Data was collected on lump progression, rectal temperature, anorexia, lameness and oedema, along with serum samples, on five sampling points at four days intervals. Seroconversion was detected using an ELISA, viral DNA in sera was detected using PCR and a phylogenetic tree of the viral DNA sequences was constructed. A Kendall's tau-b bivariate correlation was conducted to test correlations between variables observed. Results showed that, after lumps, lameness was the most frequently observed clinical feature (9/11), followed by oedema, anorexia (both 6/11) and fever (5/11). Lump presence was strongly correlated with lameness and moderately correlated viral DNA load in sera (r = 0.61, P < 0.01, and r = 0.51, P < 0.01), anorexia was moderately correlated with the course of oedema (r = 0.45, P < 0.01). Younger animals were ill for longer than older individuals. Antibody levels increased on Day eight but declined rapidly yet, remained above the threshold, on day 16. The detection of viral DNA in sera was of short duration and intermittent in a few animals; the virus was closely related to Clade 2 of LSDV. This study provides preliminary knowledge of features of LSDV infection in Indonesia for further studies on vaccination, clinical treatment and prognosis of the disease.

Molecular identification of somatostatin family in tilapia and the effect of food intake on pss2 and sstr3a

Somatostatin (SS) plays an important role in regulating food intake and following digestive functions of vertebrates mediated via somatostatin receptor (SSTR). However, the feedback regulation by which food intake regulate SS and SSTRs expression, and thereby their functions, remains poorly understood. Here, we cloned somatostatin genes (pss1, pss2 and pss3) and somatostatin receptors genes (sstr2a, sstr2b, sstr2c, sstr3a, sstr3b, sstr5a and sstr5b) from tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus and conducted their tissue distribution. Phylogenetic analysis and genomic synteny maps revealed their high homology across the vertebrates and evolution history. Following, synthesized SS-14 and SS-28 were both confirmed to bind to SSTRs and mediated Erk1/2 or Akt phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner and time-course effect in 293T cell line as well as tilapia primary hepatocytes. It was observed that the expression levels of SS family showed dynamic change during food intake. In the early stages of feeding, pss2 expressed in gastric epithelium was down-regulated by food intake, and the following low pH after feeding reversed to up-regulate the pss2 mRNA level. This down and up dynamic change hinted that the first down pss2 prompted food digesting and the next up pss2 inhibited digestion, but it might need further explore to prove. Compared with it, sstr3a expression levels in submucosa up-regulated after feeding but did not display dynamic change. Our results contribute to the understanding of how somatostatin family respond to food intake during different stages of feeding, which provides basis for subsequent study of their function in gastrointestine of tilapia.

Somatostatin and N-acetylcysteine on testicular damage triggered by ischemia reperfusion: cellular protection and antioxidant effects

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a significant cause of testicular damage, leading to infertility and other reproductive dysfunctions. Antioxidant therapies have emerged as a potential intervention to mitigate oxidative stress and cellular damage. This study investigates the effects of somatostatin (SST) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on testicular damage induced by I/R, focusing on their antioxidant and cellular protective effects. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups, as follows: sham operated, I/R injury, I/R + somatostatin treatment, and I/R + NAC treatment. A testicular I/R injury was induced surgically, followed by either SST or NAC administration. Testicular tissues were assessed histopathologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining and employing Johnson's biopsy scoring. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed for caspase- 3, 8-hydroxy- 2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), testis-specific histone 2B, and testosterone to evaluate apoptosis, oxidative DNA damage, cellular proliferation, and steroidogenesis, respectively. Serum levels of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured by biochemical analysis. The results showed that both SST and NAC treatments significantly ameliorated histopathological damage and reduced the levels of caspase- 3 and 8-OHdG, indicating reduced apoptosis and oxidative DNA damage. Furthermore, increased testis-specific histone 2B positivity suggested enhanced cellular proliferation. Notably, administration of SST decreased testosterone positivity in the testis, whereas NAC treatment increased it. However, no significant differences in serum testosterone levels were observed between the NAC and SST groups. In addition, serum FSH levels of the I/R + SST group were found to be significantly higher than those of the control group. SST and NAC exhibit protective effects against testicular damage induced by I/R, as evidenced by their antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. The differential impact on testosterone positivity in the testis tissue highlights distinct underlying mechanisms, warranting further investigation. Despite these promising findings, the lack of significant changes in serum hormone levels calls for additional studies to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential and mechanistic pathways of SST and NAC in the context of testicular I/R injury.

Prolonged 5-week and 12-week chronic stress differentially modulates CNS expression of pro- and anti-neuroinflammatory biomarkers, brain monoamines and affective behavior in adult zebrafish

Chronic stress is a major cause of affective pathogenesis, such as anxiety and depression. Experimental animal models, including rodents and zebrafish, are a valuable tool for translational neuroscience research focusing on stress-related brain disorders. Here, we examined the effects of 5- and 12-week chronic unpredictable stress (CUS5 and CUS12) on zebrafish behavior, whole-body cortisol and neuroinflammation-related biomarker gene expression, including markers of pro-inflammatory microglia (NOS2a, COX2, P75NTR) and astroglia (C3, GBP), and markers of anti-inflammatory microglia (ARG-1, CD206) and astroglia (S100a10, PTX). We also assessed stress-induced changes in brain monoamine levels and brain-blood-barrier permeability. Overall, CUS5 induced anxiety-like behavior, accompanied by elevated CNS pro-inflammatory marker gene expression, cortisol signaling and norepinephrine levels. In contrast, CUS12 induced depression-like behavior, accompanied by lowered cortisol levels, impaired serotonin turnover and activated anti-inflammatory biomarker gene expression, as well as upregulated histone deacetylase 4 gene (suggesting the involvement of epigenetic regulation). Collectively, this confirms the importance of stress duration as a key factor in the development of stress-related disorders in zebrafish models, and further implicates pro- and inti-inflammatory neuroglia in affective pathogenesis.

One health approach based descriptive study on Coxiella burnetii infections in camels and abattoir workers in the United Arab Emirates

Coxiellosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) infection that occurs as subclinical and clinical infections in animals and humans worldwide except in the Antarctica and New Zealand. The objectives of this study were to estimate the seroprevalences of C. burnetti infections in slaughtered camels and abattoir workers as well as to detect C. burnetii DNA in the clotted blood in the same study subjects at Al Bawadi abattoir of Al Ain city, in the United Arab Emirates, UAE. A cross-sectional study design was used to test 393 slaughtered camels and 86 abattoir workers for C. burnetii antibodies between March 2022 and July 2023 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits supplied by ID Vet multispecies and Abbexa, respectively. Besides, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used for the detection of C. burnetti DNA in clotted blood of 366 camels and 86 abattoir workers. The seroprevalences of C. burnetii infection were 52.9% (95% confidence interval, CI: 46.0, 60.6%) and 24.4% (95% CI: 15.1, 37.3%) in camels and abattoir workers. But, C. burnetii DNA was not detected in clotted blood samples of camels and abattoir workers. Sex, age and body condition of the camels were not associated with the seroprevalence of C. burnetii while abattoir workers of African origin were more likely to be seropositive (odds ratio, OR = 3.70; 95% CI: 1.05, 13.60) than abattoir workers of south Asian origin. The seroprevalences of C. burnetii infections were high in both slaughtered camels and abattoir workers although its DNA was not detected in the clotted blood of either of the study subjects.

Differential modulation of freezing and 22-kHz USVs by shock intensity, tone-duration matching, and anxiety levels in rodent fear-conditioning paradigms

The concept of fear in animals, particularly its manifestation and measurement, remains a focal point in psychological research. This study builds on the systematic review and meta-analysis work of Bao et al. (Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 157: 105537, 2024), which posits that freezing behavior and 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) may represent objective and subjective fear states in rodents, respectively. We further investigated how these responses are modulated by shock intensity, tone-duration matching, and individual anxiety levels in rodent fear-conditioning paradigms. Experiment 1 manipulated shock intensity during fear learning and tone-duration matching between learning and cue tests, revealing that while freezing behavior was consistent across conditions, 22-kHz USVs varied significantly and appeared later than freezing. This divergence was more pronounced in fear generalization tests. Experiment 2 explored the response differences in rodents with high and low anxiety, demonstrating that highly anxious individuals exhibited more 22-kHz USVs but not increased freezing during cue tests. These findings suggest that while freezing may reflect automatic defensive reactions, 22-kHz USVs are more indicative of rodents' cognitive appraisal and their subjective experience of fear. This distinction provides valuable insights that could improve the translation of animal fear models to human psychiatric conditions related to fear and anxiety.